This just popped into the inbox from Parks. No camping at Stapylton campground this weekend

Stapylton campground closure in the Grampians NP

Stapylton Campground in the northern section of the Grampians National Park is currently closed due to in-ground asbestos contamination.

Ranger in Charge David Roberts said the area was closed as a precaution for all activities, including camping.

“With recent rain and increased visitation to the area there has been some exposure of cement sheeting containing asbestos,” said Mr Roberts. “We are currently working through options to manage the site.”

The cement sheeting pieces came from an old building that was previously situated on part of the Stapylton campground area.

“We appreciate the patience of visitors while the area is closed and encourage people to camp in other areas around the park,” said Mr Roberts.

Stapylton Loop Walk and the popular Ngamadjidj Shelter remain open. The Loop walk can be accessed from Millers or Polhners Roads.

Troopers Creek, Plantation and Smiths Mill Campgrounds are also available in the Northern Grampians for camping or visit a local Visitor Information Centre for the many private campgrounds surrounding the Grampians National Park.

“There are plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy the spectacular Grampians National Park this long weekend and into winter,” said Mr Roberts.

For further information contact Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.

On 7/06/2013 ajfclark wrote:>I wonder how many are already enroute for the long weekend?
The plan is to have some information at the campground to capture those who may not be aware of it, and rock up late tonight and alerting them to some suitable camping nearby.

On 7/06/2013 kieranl wrote:>This just popped into the inbox from Parks. No camping at Stapylton campground>this weekend>>Stapylton campground closure in the Grampians NP>>Stapylton Campground in the northern section of the Grampians National>Park is currently closed due to in-ground asbestos contamination.>>Ranger in Charge David Roberts said the area was closed as a precaution>for all activities, including camping.>>“With recent rain and increased visitation to the area there has been>some exposure of cement sheeting containing asbestos,” said Mr Roberts.> “We are currently working through options to manage the site.” >>The cement sheeting pieces came from an old building that was previously>situated on part of the Stapylton campground area. > >“We appreciate the patience of visitors while the area is closed and encourage>people to camp in other areas around the park,” said Mr Roberts. >>Stapylton Loop Walk and the popular Ngamadjidj Shelter remain open. The>Loop walk can be accessed from Millers or Polhners Roads.>>Troopers Creek, Plantation and Smiths Mill Campgrounds are also available>in the Northern Grampians for camping or visit a local Visitor Information>Centre for the many private campgrounds surrounding the Grampians National>Park.>>“There are plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy the spectacular>Grampians National Park this long weekend and into winter,” said Mr Roberts.> >>For further information contact Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au>or call 13 1963.>

On 9/11/2013 ajfclark wrote:>I'm heading down that way in a hour or so. I'll pop past and check if>I remember but I'd be quite surprised if it were open...

Stapylton Campground is still closed and might possibly stay that way. It's a complicated situation and work and discussions have been ongoing - was never going to be a quick solution given the problem in the first place. I will have some more news on this over the next week or so but until it has been announced (or if), take it that it is still closed. Public will be advised if there is any change.

Is the campground now open again? I have memories of reading a thread on here that it was reopened but a quick search has not revealed anything. The Parks Vic website has it listed as closed, so I'm assuming my memory is leading me astray. Can anyone confirm its status?

Stapylton Campground is due to open just before the September school holidays. Opening has been held up by the slow supply and delivery of the timber used in the remaining works in the campground. Stapylton was always seen as a group camping site and the new improved one will be no different in that regard. Group camping will have even more of a focus although with some separated communal areas rather than the one main one that was there before. Vehicle based camping will also be catered for.